Reader_Nov2_2023

2 / R / November 2, 2023

DEAR READERS,

The week in random review

By Soncirey Mitchell Reader Staff

rich folks’ diet

When I was 18 I had two roommates — a normal girl, and one whose father owned a small town in Oregon. You heard me right. This girl took her textbooks and loose pencils to class in a $1,650 Gucci tote bag, and her perfume collection was worth more than my car. Here are a few snapshots of life with her: 1.

She insisted that, “You can’t understand what it means to be poor until you’ve been to Hawaii”; 2. After moving into our dorm room, she lay staring up at her ceiling and asked, “Do you think I’m unlovable? Will I ever find someone who puts me first?” Having only known her for four hours, I said nothing; 3.

One night a minor earthquake shook the entire university awake.

Despite the news coverage, my roommate was convinced that I’d crawled under her twin bed and rattled her mattress as “a weird prank”; 4. She was allergic to 17 different foods, including all nuts, pineapple, shellfish and sesame. She was also on a strict no-vegetable diet because she was conscious of her figure.

She exclusively ate Kraft Mac & Cheese, powdered mashed potatoes, any kind of plain chip and cheeseburgers — hold the lettuce — which she never dared bite with her front teeth. In her quest for perfection, she’d had all her teeth filed off in high school and replaced with blindingly white veneers. She lived in constant fear that she’d bite into a burger and her fake teeth would fall out, so she used her hands to shred every meal into tiny, mushy flecks and then shoved them into the back of her mouth. I can still hear the squelching sound.

becoming a man

While studying abroad, I had the misfortune of dining with an 18-year-old boy who was eager to try some of my wine. “You know, I’ve never had a sip of alcohol,” he said to the group of 15 students in the crowded restaurant. I poured him a tiny glass, but warned him that red wine was an acquired taste. I’ll never forget the expression he made as he downed the whole glass — it was the face of absolute sorrow. He looked at me like I’d punched him in the stomach and stuffed unripe lemons down his throat. “Just swallow it,” I said. He shook his head, tears in his eyes. Rather than spitting into his empty glass, he coughed his wine into the restaurant’s white cloth napkin, leaving vibrant trails of red like a Victorian orphan with tuberculous. When he saturated his napkin, he did the same to mine, and set both down to seep into the white table cloth. The meal continued in silence. “You know,” he said, again turning to the group. “I’ve never had sex, either.”

paranoia’s just plain common sense

One of my favorite professors was a man who commuted from Los Angeles to Tacoma, Wash. every week even though he was deathly afraid of planes. He was also a lifelong conspiracy theorist who, according to recently declassified CIA documents, was surprisingly right most of the time. Most, but not all. He once got violently sick on an airplane and convinced himself that the flight attendant poisoned him was “some kind of nerve agent.”

He had the flu. Situations like that were so frequent that I came to expect an elaborate story every time he canceled class. He gave us the morning off once because, in his words, “I’m damp and I haven’t slept.” A water main had burst at 2 a.m., flooding his entire apartment building. “I didn’t want to pay for a hotel because then I would have been late for class,” he told us a week later. In an effort to save time, he went to a student lounge on campus and slept on the couch — that is, until security kicked him out. He spent the rest of the night soaking wet in his car before giving up and getting on a plane back to California.

Don’t forget to vote on Election Day Nov. 7. Polling places are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and you can always find your voting location by visiting voteidaho.gov.

As with any election, if you don’t take the time to participate and vote, you lose the right to gripe and moan about the candidates chosen to represent you. If for no other reason, vote just to preserve your right to complain in the future.

This week’s adorable cover photo came to us from Paige Belfry, who photographed her daughter, Cedar, enjoying one of the last Sandpoint Farmers’ Markets of the season. Whenever you feel the world is a bit out of sorts, just look at young Cedar’s smile in that photo and it’ll set you right. Special thanks to all the staff and vendors who make the Farmers’ Market such a special event.

It looks like we have some rainy days ahead, so get a good book and curl up on the couch to enjoy some great indoors time. You’ve earned it.

Take care, everyone, and thanks for reading.

– Ben Olson, publisher

READER 111 Cedar Street, Suite 9 Sandpoint, ID 83864 208-946-4368

sandpointreader.com Publisher: Ben Olson ben@sandpointreader.com Editorial: Zach Hagadone (Editor) zach@sandpointreader.com Soncirey Mitchell (Staff Writer) soncirey@sandpointreader.com Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey (emeritus) Cameron Rasmusson (emeritus) John Reuter (emeritus) Advertising: Kelsey Kizer kelsey@sandpointreader.com Contributing Artists: Paige Belfry (cover), ICL, Alec Underwood, Jon Hagadone, John Harbuck, Gabriella Ateho, Ron Bedford, Bill Borders Contributing Writers: Zach Hagadone, Ben Olson, Soncirey Mitchell, Lorraine H. Marie, Brenden Bobby, Darren Svan, Jennifer Ekstrom, Marcy Timblin, Marcia Pilgeram Submit stories to: stories@sandpointreader.com Printed weekly at: Tribune Publishing Co. Lewiston, ID Subscription Price: $165 per year Web Content: Keokee The Sandpoint Reader is a weekly publication owned and operated by Ben Olson and Keokee. It is devoted to the arts, entertainment, politics and lifestyle in and around Sandpoint, Idaho.

We hope to provide a quality alternative by offering honest, in-depth reporting that reflects the intelligence and interests of our diverse and growing community.

The Reader is printed on recycled paper using soy-based ink.

Leftover copies are collected and recycled weekly, or burned in massive bonfires to appease the gods of journalism. Free to all, limit two copies per person.

Sandpoint Reader letter policy: The Sandpoint Reader welcomes letters to the editor on all topics.

Requirements: –No more than 300 words –Letters may not contain excessive profanity or libelous material. Please elevate the discussion.

Letters will be edited to comply with the above requirements. Opinions expressed in these pages are those of the writers, not necessarily the publishers.

Email letters to: letters@sandpointreader.com Check us out on the web at: sandpointreader.com About the Cover

This week’s adorable cover photo was taken by Paige Belfry of her daughter Cedar enjoying a light moment at the Farmers’ Market.

November 2, 2023 / R / 3

NEWS

IDL rules in favor of Idaho Club community dock near Trestle Creek

Idaho Conservation League advocates for the protection of bull trout

By Soncirey Mitchell Reader Staff Idaho Department of Lands Director Dustin Miller handed down a decision Oct. 27 approving the Idaho Club’s request for an encroachment permit for its 105-slip North Lake community dock near the mouth of Trestle Creek — the first step in a proposed development that’s been in the works since 2008.

Conservation groups and members of the public have spoken out against the project in an effort to preserve the native habitat of protected bull trout and other wildlife, as well as the aesthetics of the area.

“We must not forget how important Trestle Creek is,” Idaho Conservation League North Idaho Director Brad Smith told the Reader. “In most years, over half of the bull trout spawning in the Pend Oreille Basin occurs in Trestle Creek, and it’s a place where families can easily take their kids to see kokanee. If we lose sight of what’s at stake, then what are we saving for the future?”

Bull trout are protected by the Endangered Species Act and are listed as threatened in all of their known habitats, including Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.

“According to testimony from Idaho Fish and Game, [Trestle Creek] is one of the most prominent bull trout streams in all of the northern Rockies,” said Mike Ahmer, IDL lands resource supervisor for the Mica Supervisory Area at the Sept. 6 public hearing on the development.

Miller’s ruling upheld the recommendation of Deputy Chief Administrative Hearing Officer Leslie Hayes — who oversaw a Sept. 6 hearing — in which she stated that “the project is unlikely to negatively impact the bull trout population.”

This finding is in part because 4 / R / November 2, 2023

the developers entered into a bargain sale agreement to transfer approximately 5.8 acres of the property to the Kalispel Tribe.

The lot, which includes the final quarter mile of the main branch of Trestle Creek and one eighth of a mile of the north branch, will be held “in conservation into perpetuity,” according to the applicant’s closing statement.

The developers also plan to remove a culvert, called the North Branch Outlet, to redirect juvenile bull trout back into the main branch and away from predators.

Hayes indicated that conservation efforts by Avista Utilities and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, in conjunction with the aforementioned work by developers, will support the rejuvenation of the bull trout population.

According to Smith, studies

by Avista and the IDFG explicitly label development as “the No. 1 threat to the creek and the fish that use it.”

Despite Hayes’ findings, ICL maintains that the Idaho Club North Lake development as a whole will negatively impact the bull trout population by blocking off the creek’s access to its historic flood plain, eliminating much of the habitat that the fish need to survive. The final development will include five residential lots and a community beach.

“The marina will also create favorable conditions for species of fish that compete with bull trout for food. The warmer water will be favorable to fish that prey on juvenile bull trout as they migrate out to the lake,” said Smith.

ICL argues that the Idaho Club’s planned 105 boat slips qualify as a marina, not a community dock — a critical distinction, as Idaho law requires that marinas make at least 50% of their moorage available to the public.

According to a brochure put out by the IDL, “A community dock is a structure that provides private moorage for more than two adjacent

littoral owners (lake front property owners or their lessees/grantees), or other littoral owners possessing a littoral common area such as a homeowner’s association.”

The residents of the golf course community neither live on the water, nor will they own “more than two” waterfront properties once they finalize the sale of the third lot to the Kalispel Tribe, according to a letter submitted to the IDL by the ICL. “We hope this won’t be the first of many community docks approved by IDL that subvert the public interest in favor of developers and wealthy people who don’t even live here,” Smith told the Reader.

According to Idaho Code cited in the opening statement of the DL decision, any party who appeared at the Sept. 6 hearing has the right to appeal the decision to the Bonner County District Court within 30 days of the Oct. 27 ruling.

“ICL is currently reviewing the decision to determine whether or not the IDL violated the Lake Protection Act or any other state laws or rules,” Smith said. “If we think we have a winning case, then ICL would seek to appeal the decision in state court.”

He clarified that conservation groups have a greater chance of stopping the development on a federal level due to the more stringent environmental protection laws.

Developers will need a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in order to move forward with their plan to dredge the lakebed and fill the wetlands on the five residential lots, according to Smith.

“The applicant will also need to obtain a water quality certification of the 404 permit [section 404 of the Clean Water Act, which requires builders to apply for permission before discharging dredged or fill material into U.S. waters] from the Department of Environmental Quality. IDL may only act within the sideboards of

its own statutory authority and allow the other required agencies to do the same,” said Deputy Attorney General J.J. Winters in the IDL’s post-hearing closing statement.

Additionally, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will prepare a new biological opinion to determine whether the project complies with the Endangered Species Act. The 2022 biological opinion was technically rescinded following litigation by the ICL and the Center for Biological Diversity; however, the plaintiffs dropped the lawsuit before Judge Candy Dale, of the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho, ruled on the validity of the document.

“There is zero evidence, presented to the hearing officer by IDL, IDEQ or any other credible witness at the hearing, or that otherwise exists to the best of applicant’s knowledge, that USFW or USACE has ever revoked, rescinded, retracted or otherwise disavowed the conclu-

Trestle Creek by canoe. Photo courtesy Idaho Conservation League. sions reached in the 2022 USFW Biological Opinion or 2022 USACE Biological Assessment,” said William Haberman, president of the Idaho Club, in the applicant’s closing statement.

To account for issues raised at the Sept. 6 hearing, the developers agreed to four amendments in their closing statement: the addition of a black-and-gray water pump out-station for the community dock, a breakwater to direct boat traffic away from Trestle Creek and a full-time dock attendant.

They will also work with local and federal government agencies to implement a no-wake zone of 300 feet or more around the dock.

To review documents and recordings pertaining to the Idaho Club North Lake development and the Sept. 6 hearing, as well as the final decision, visit idl.idaho.gov/ lakes-rivers/administrative-hearings/trestle-creek-public-hearing.

NEWS

Date set for workshop on revised Sandpoint Comp Plan

Council, staff will be on hand to talk with residents at City Hall on Nov. 29

By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff Sandpoint City Hall has set a date for a town hall-style workshop on the revised Comprehensive Plan for Wednesday, Nov. 29, from 5-7 p.m. at the City Council Chambers (1123 Lake St.).

Councilors voted to table approval of the Comp Plan at their Oct. 4 meeting, which included several members of the public testifying that they felt under-informed about the specifics of the plan.

More information on the plan, including a draft and appendices, is available at sandpointidaho.gov under “Master Plans” or bit.ly/3OaBXxH. City Planner Amy Tweeten told councilors at the Nov. 1 meeting that the plan would be made available for online commenting, which in the past has garnered a good response from residents, while both members of the City Council and staff would be available in person at the Nov. 29 workshop.

Councilor Justin Dick asked that a second workshop be held soon after the 29th, with a consensus seeming to favor Thursday, Dec. 7. More details on that will follow.

“This document’s too important for our community going forward,” he said.

Councilor Jason Welker agreed, and suggested that the Sandpoint Planning and Zoning Commission also be involved, as that body has been working closely with the Comp Plan revisions for the past four years.

“That’s just more ears listening to the community on that night,” he said, later adding, “What I’m emphasizing is quality over quantity at this point.”

Welker underscored that the Comp Plan update has been years in the making, and these workshops would not be the first efforts at public outreach. However, “As we’ve learned, when the public’s attention is on something, we really need to harness that,” he said.

Councilor Deb Ruehle suggested that workshop notices should be sent out with residents’ utility bills, and also said she would be open to employing door hangers to ensure the widest participation by the public. Council President Kate McAlister

and Councilor Dick also said they’d be willing to undertake that as well.

Once the workshop — or workshops — are concluded, the council will enter another round of public hearings, with more opportunities for public involvement.

The Comp Plan has been described by officials as providing, “A vision for the future, defined goals and policies and desired future land use character.” The document is supposed to be updated every 10 years, but the current plan hasn’t been revised since 2009. An effort to put in place a new plan began in 2019, but was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2022.

Council members had been primed to give their final approval on Oct. 4, but after listening to a presentation and taking testimony at the public hearing, opted to slow down and take steps to gather more community feedback.

“I feel like we’ve only had four days to dive into it,” Welker said at the time, while making the motion to table. “This is literally the most important planning document that we’re about to adopt for the next 20 years. … This shouldn’t be the last opportunity for public feedback.”

Among the elements of the Comp Plan revision highlighted at the Oct. 4 meeting were updates to objectives for urban forestry, neighborhood preservation and mixed-use development, housing affordability and coordinating water services with other jurisdictions.

The latter component gave councilors the most cause for pause in October, as it touches on a hot-button issue related to growth in less-dense parts of Sandpoint’s area of city impact.

Specifically, as council candidate Kyle Schreiber and mayoral candidate Jeremy Grimm both said at the time, the revised plan lacks language from the 2009 version that denied extension of urban services — such as water — to low-density developments, with the intention of discouraging urban-type sprawl into rural areas.

Schreiber highlighted the opposition to Sandpoint’s decision in the summer to provide city water services to the 117-lot Providence subdivision following nearby Kootenai’s refusal to do so, while Grimm

underscored that providing urban services to rural developments encourages growth in areas that can’t be efficiently served.

While Welker suggested there’s a good reason for precluding that language from the revised plan, he also said that it’s an important enough issue that it needs to be further explored and explained with the public, otherwise “it’s going to come back to haunt us.”

Several other members of the public also stressed that the updated Comp Plan must address preservation of heritage trees — an issue that has been in the spotlight in recent months in connection with the removal of 20 mature trees at Travers Park to make way for the multi-million-dollar James E. Russell Sports Center, which will feature indoor pickleball and tennis courts.

Many city and county residents have mounted a passionate pushback to the

A member of the public reviews components of the comp plan at a previous workshop at City Hall.

Photo by Zach Hagadone. sports center location, though crews felled the trees at Travers Park during the last week of October.

Welker said at the Nov. 1 meeting that heritage tree protections are part of the revised Comp Plan because about a half dozen citizens showed up to advocate for them — indicating that as an example that public input is valued and acted upon by city officials.

“It’s not too late to make amendments and changes to this Comp Plan, but it does require the community showing up and us listening,” Welker said.

Find more information on the plan, including a draft and appendices, at sandpointidaho.gov under “Master Plans” or bit.ly/3OaBXxH. November 2, 2023 / R / 5

NEWS

What to know about Election Day 2023 Where to access candidate information, voter registration and find results

By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff Voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 7 for a range of city, school trustee and other district offices.

Six candidates are running for three seats on the Sandpoint City Council: Amelia Boyd, Pam Duquette, Deb Ruehle (incumbent), Kyle Schreiber, Grant Simmons and Elle Susnis. Meanwhile, three candidates are vying for Sandpoint mayor: former Sandpoint City Planner Jeremy Grimm, current City Council President Kate McAlister and Frytz Mor. In other contested races, Sharon Banning (incumbent), Tanya Becker (incumbent) and Tel Thompson are running for two seats on the Clark Fork City Council; Keith Congleton, Steven Haynes and Dan Parkin (incumbent) are running for two seats on the Dover City Council; and Pam Brockus, David Rost, Don Wells (incumbent) and Scott Wieman are competing for two seats on the East Hope City Council.

Mayoral candidates Deborah Field (East Hope); Nancy Lewis (Kootenai, incumbent); Steve Geiger (Ponderay, incumbent); and Jeff Connelly (Priest River, incumbent) are all unopposed, as are city council candidates in Kootenai, Oldtown, Ponderay and Priest River.

In the Lake Pend Oreille School District, two candidates are running for one open seat in Zone 1: Jenn McKnight and Scott Wood, while incumbent Trustee Chair Geraldine Lewis is running unopposed for reelection in Zone 4.

Three seats are up for grabs on the West Bonner County School District Board of Trustees, with Zone 1 candidates Alan Galloway and Margaret Hall (incumbent), 6 / R / November 2, 2023

Elizabeth Glazier and Troy Reinbold (incumbent) in Zone 3 and Carlyn Barton (incumbent) and Kathy Nash in Zone 5.

Elsewhere in the county, candidates are running mostly unopposed or as incumbents for commissioner positions in the Coolin Cavanaugh Bay, East Priest Lake, Northside, Sagle, Sam Owen Fire, Spirit Lake Timberlake, West Pend Oreille, West Priest Lake and Westside fire districts, as well as the Bay Drive Recreation District Board and West Bonner Cemetery Maintenance District.

The Sandpoint Reader published a candidates’ questionnaire Oct. 12, featuring candidates in contested races for Sandpoint mayor and council, as well as LPOSD and WBCSD Board of Trustees. Find the questionnaire at sandpointreader.com/candidate-questionnaire-2023.

The Reader, KRFY 88.5 FM Panhandle Community Radio and SandpointOnline. com also hosted a forum with Sandpoint and LPOSD candidates Oct. 17, a recording of which is available to download at krfy.org/candidates-forum-airs-tonight or streaming at krfymedia.keokee.com/forum20231017.mp3.

Finally, KRFY aired a number of one-on-one interviews with candidates for Sandpoint city offices throughout the month of October, which can be streamed at krfy. org/podcast.

Early voting ends Friday, Nov. 3 at 5 p.m. and in-person voting runs from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at polling places around the county.

To find your polling location, check registration status or register to vote, go to voteidaho.gov. Voters can register at the polls on Election Day. For more information, including results after the polls close, visit bonnercountyid. gov/departments/elections.

Bits ’n’ Pieces From east, west and beyond

East, west or beyond, sooner or later events elsewhere may have a local impact.

A recent sampling: Patients are “slightly better” than doctors at diagnosing their health problems after they have consulted the internet, according to research from Harvard Medical School.

A recent jobs report shows more than 13.9 million jobs have been added since President Joe Biden took office. Meanwhile, the U.S. economy grew 4.9% in the third quarter, and inflation is back in the preferable range — 2.4% — with 2% being the goal.

Biden recently signed an executive order for grappling with artificial intelligence. It directs government agencies to address AI dangers while also supporting appropriate use, The Atlantic reported. The EO requires personal data protection and for AI-generated content to be clearly labeled.

After three weeks without a speaker, Republicans elected Rep. Mike Johnson, of Louisiana, to the position. He previously voted against certifying Biden’s 2020 win, the AP reported. Critics say Johnson’s record indicates he will favor the wealthy and seek to cut trillions of dollars from programs like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and environmental safeguards. Another concern: His push for a national 15-week abortion ban.

House Republicans called for a $14.3 billion aid package for Israel to be offset by taking the same amount from the IRS. Numerous media pointed out that the Inflation Reduction Act’s $80 billion for the IRS is paying off. In September, the IRS reported that it had recovered $38 million in delinquent taxes from 175 high-income people. Each dollar spent by the IRS on auditing the top 0.1% brought in $6.29.

Talking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden said that when the current crisis ends, “there has to be a vision of what comes next,” and the U.S. view is it has to be a “two-state solution,” AP News reported. However, the Times of Israel reported that Netanyahu said a ceasefire would be surrender to Hamas.

Two of the U.S.’s largest defense contractors told investors that the Israel-Gaza war will be good for business. Even a four-fold increase in artillery production will not meet demand, The Lever stated.

Former Vice President Mike Pence announced he will not be a Republican candidate for the presidency. However, Democratic Congressman Dean Phillips,

By Lorraine H. Marie Reader Columnist

of Minnesota, has announced he will challenge Biden.

General Motors plans to offer only zero tailpipe emission vehicles by 2035 and to become carbon neutral by 2040, according to The New York Times.

A Dutch company has chosen Washington state for its $800 million plant, which will produce sustainable aviation fuel. The facility will create 600 construction jobs and 100 permanent jobs, SkyNRG reported.

“Blue” states subsidize “red” states: Red states get more federal dollars than they pay in taxes, according to Richard Stengel, author of Information Wars, and a former TIME magazine editor.

Blast from the (recent) past: A year ago, Bloomsberg’s economic analysts said they were 100% sure the U.S. would be in a recession within a year. It didn’t happen. A Wall Street Journal survey found most economists upbeat about the U.S. avoiding a recession. Signs of a healthy economy include a strong job market, wage growth, increases in car sales and restaurant spending, and a doubling of the expected rise in retail spending in September. That is not to ignore the very real impact of greedflation that has dogged the economy. Some corporations have taken advantage of past supply chain-related price hikes, and have chosen higher profits over lowering prices when those price hikes were no longer valid.

And another blast: The U.S. stock market crashed 94 years ago. The economy had been lopsided, with 5% of the population enjoying a third of the nation’s income. Following the crash, ag prices fell more than half, foreign trade went from $10 billion to $3 billion and one out of four workers were unemployed by 1933. Ready for change, voters elected Franklin D. Roosevelt, who promised a “New Deal” — a government that worked for everyone, not just financial elites. He quickly launched plans for projects like enacting laws to protect workers’ rights (including minimum wages and maximum work hours, and establishing the right for workers to bargain); regulating business, including food and drug safety, the stock market and bankers; and increasing government jobs (resulting in 120,000 new or repaired bridges and 650,000 miles of highways), while creating a social safety net, such as Social Security. Similar steps under both Republican and Democratic presidents continued until 1980.

NEWS

West Bonner’s three-member board selects two new trustees

By Darren Svan Idaho Education News

August. Rutledge and Brown were the driving force behind a number of unpopular decisions.

The West Bonner School District gained positive traction Oct. 30 with two milestones: Trustees hired an experienced interim superintendent and filled two board vacancies.

Following the official resignation of Branden Durst last week, the board voted unanimously to hire Joe Kren as interim superintendent under a 90-day contract.

In September, Durst made a public announcement of his intention to step down as superintendent but didn’t indicate when that would occur.

The three-person board was unable to address his resignation because a quorum couldn’t be established. Trustee Troy Reinbold’s repeated absences caused the board’s inability to take action.

But he attended the last two meetings so board business could be accomplished.

Durst was not in Priest River when the board accepted his resignation last week. His four-month tenure from June to October was marked by heated opposition and repeated controversy.

Kren is a former West Bonner principal and former superintendent at Saint Maries Joint School District. A copy of his one-page contract was not made available, but interim Board Chair Margaret Hall characterized it as “standard.”

According to the contract, Kren will stay in the position for 90 working days, which extends his tenure until March 20, 2024.

Kren’s appointment was followed by a loud round of applause from the audience.

The board briefly recessed and reconvened to interview five candidates to fill two spots left vacant after the August recall election removed trustees Keith Rutledge and Susan Brown. Former-Board Chair Keith Rutledge and ViceChair Susan Brown were recalled by overwhelming majorities in

Zone 4 Trustees felt both candidates were qualified and would bring value. But because of her involvement with the community and experience with the Priest River City Council, the board selected Ann Yount to fill the Zone 4 trustee position. Her appointment came on a split 2-1 vote. Reinbold voted against Yount.

“I’d like to thank both of the applicants; you did a great job,” Trustee Carlyn Barton said.

Zone 4 candidates were allowed two-minute opening statements, starting with Yount, a well-known school volunteer and longtime Priest River business owner. Wendy Eaton has two children and one step-child in West Bonner schools. She works as a support representative for Classical Conversations, an entity that supports home educators. Both candidates discussed rebuilding unity and improving community involvement.

Trustees Reinbold, Hall and Barton took turns asking a series of eight questions. Among them was, “Why do you want to serve on the board?

Yount said, “I love this community. I know so many of the people here and I want to see it succeed.”

Eaton said, “I have a passion for children and to see them succeed. I think that education is very important and it’s getting lost in all the division in the community.”

Zone 2 In Zone 2, all three candidates brought a lifetime of experience in finance, education, the military, business and coaching. They expressed a desire to establish a board that serves the community, find ways to correct any current financial problems and help students achieve better academic success.

The decision to appoint Paul

Turco came down to his passion, deep ties with the community coaching the youth, financial experience and potential to help heal the community’s polarization. Trustees split 2-1 in favor of Turco. Reinbold was the dissenting vote.

Barton said, “It was another pretty close decision.”

“It seemed like everybody who applied tonight is capable of being on the board,” said Reinbold. “Just because of Bradley’s experience, I picked him.”

[Editor’s note: Reinbold referred to Bradley Cossette, who sought a Zone 2 seat.]

“Thank you gentlemen for applying and stepping forth,” said Hall.

Donald Paden, who also submitted an application to serve on the board: “Pride and support brought the community together and it tore it apart.”

He noted the need to improve communication with the community, address low ISAT scores, fix distrust the community expresses for the board and improve the district’s financial situation.

“We need to come together as a board and regain the trust of the community — that’s vital. I have a personal interest in this with two grandchildren. I am concerned about the track the school is on right now,” he said.

Paul Turco: “I’m proud of how the community came together. Both

sides are showing that they care for the students and that’s a good foundation to build on. The weakness is the misunderstandings.”

His top goals include providing explanations for the public about how funding works, focusing on the retention of teachers and helping the community regain its trust in the board.

“Simply, I care,” he said.

Cossette: “The five-year plan is a well-written document. It’s going to be difficult to make sure someone is there who’s forcing it through to achieve the goals.”

He said West Bonner is so much more involved than what’s going on in Spokane schools.

“It’s something to be proud of,” Cossette said. “Education has been my life. I want to be able to

Left: Joe Kren was hired as interim superintendent for WBCSD after Branden Durst issued his resignation last week.

Center: Paul Turco was selected as replacement trustee for Zone 2.

Right: Ann Yount was selected as replacement trustee for Zone 4. Courtesy photos. give back towards it. I’ve seen the great things it’s done for so many kids. I am devoted to helping the kids of this community.”

Reporter Darren Svan is based in North Idaho and has a background in both journalism and education. Prior to working for military schools at overseas installations, he was news editor at several publications in Wyoming and Colorado. You can send news tips to darren@idahoednews.org.

Sandpoint schedules citywide leaf pickup

By Reader Staff City of Sandpoint crews will perform the first all-city leaf pickup throughout the week of Sunday, Nov. 6-Friday, Nov. 10. Weather depending, crews will perform a second pick up the week of Monday, Nov. 13-Friday, Nov. 17.

Residents are asked to place unbagged leaves in the street next

to the curb line by Nov. 5 for the first week.

Crews will not be picking up leaves when the scheduled weeks are over, and it is property owners’ responsibility to remove any remaining leaves from the street.

Branches and bagged leaves will not be picked up. The annual branch pickup will be in the spring.

November 2, 2023 / R / 7

Schreiber and Duquette have my vote…

Bouquets: • Three cheers to Marcia Pilgeram, who writes “The Sandpoint Eater” food column twice a month for the Reader. Marcia has led an accomplished life as a chef and our community is darn lucky to get access to her delicious recipes and epicurean analysis. Every time I try to recreate Marcia’s recipes, I’m astounded at how good they turn out. Thanks so much for sharing your passion with us!

Barbs: • Like many of our readers, when I was growing up, my family had a rule at dinnertime: “If you don’t finish your plate, you aren’t allowed to ask for more.” That way you couldn’t push the lima beans and slimy asparagus to one side of the plate so you could load up on more fried chicken. You had to eat everything, vegetables and all. I’d love it if our city leaders would adopt a similar mentality when it comes to all the exhaustive renovations and redesigns we’re dealing with in Sandpoint. Instead of breathlessly promoting these wide-sweeping changes that will fundamentally alter Sandpoint’s vibe forever, perhaps they should focus on the “lima bean,” issues like fixing our crumbling residential streets, addressing the wastewater treatment plant and helping locals find more employment and more affordable housing options instead of repeatedly watching them leave town for better opportunities. Serve those who live here, not those who want to move here.

My inbox is filled every week with letters from exasperated locals who are despondent over the direction they feel things are going here in Sandpoint. I know the basics won’t look as enticing on a job resume as the big sweeping changes and fancy renderings, but we’re reaching an impasse between our city residents and city leaders. With fiascos like the Travers Park issue still fresh in our minds, I’d hope the city would put more work into rebuilding trust with their constituents, rather than rebuilding a town that nobody asked to be rebuilt.

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Dear editor, Recently I was able to attend a forum where candidates for Sandpoint City Council had an opportunity to share about their goals for serving in the role of council member. I was inspired by both Kyle Schreiber, a relative newcomer to Sandpoint, and Pam Duquette, a longtime resident of Sandpoint.

Kyle intends to pledge transparency and responsiveness to citizens, using tax dollars to support the city (street, sidewalk, wastewater treatment repairs) and its infrastructure, and focusing on affordable workforce housing.

Pam wants to see more citizen involvement using more hands-on workshops (most “workshops” in the city have been presentations, not workshops), restarting advisory committees (trees, bike/ped paths, etc.), broadened communication and transparency. She also would like to assist with decisions about sustainable development, including achievable housing for our workforce and protection of urban forests, green spaces and waterways. She wants safe travel for all with upkeep for roads, sidewalks and ped paths.

These two candidates have my support and will bring new blood to the council. It is a bit of a thankless job but these two are willing to throw themselves into these roles to help Sandpoint stay focused using citizen input.

As Pam says, “Keep Sandpoint Real.”

Ann Giantvalley Sandpoint

‘You won’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone’…

Dear editorial, They are cutting down the Willow Tree at Travers Park right now.

What a travesty. I’m sure you know already but I thought it was worth a sentence here. All I can think of is the song, “Big Yellow Taxi”: “you won’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone.” It’s a sad day and we should all be just a little bit ashamed.

Mary Ann Jeffres Sandpoint

Mea culpa…

Dear editor, A short while ago I wrote a letter to the editor regarding the open primaries initiative and I

didn’t notice that Bill Litsinger had responded in the Daily Bee until I was just leaving town on a trip. Bill pointed out, correctly, that I was mistaken on the facts, specifically the connection between the initiative and ranked choice. I support the initiative as a way to include more people, maybe even bring folks closer together in trying to find the best candidates for the ballot, yet looking back my words were divisive and for this I’m sorry.

We’re all in this together, and I can certainly do better. Thanks for the reminder, Bill.

Ed Ohlweiler Sandpoint

Idaho Moms’ success threatens BCRCC’s control…

Dear editor, Why did the Bonner County Republican Central Committee send an email bashing Idaho Moms?

Idaho Moms is a nonpartisan Political Action Committee. We promote leaders and policies supportive of mothers, children and families. We support communities united on issues regardless of party or religious affiliation.

We worked with the West Bonner County School District community to recall former-trustees Keith Rutledge and Susan Brown. We celebrate evicting the poison of Branden Durst as superintendent. We will never forget that Scott Herndon and the BCRCC championed Rutledge, Brown and Durst.

Our success threatens the BCRCC’s demand for complete fidelity and control of our elected officials.

Our public schools are the hubs of our communities. Join the unprecedented number of voters who turned out for the WBCSD recall.

Vote on Nov. 7 to keep our schools safe from those who would bring chaos. Together let’s send a strong message in support of our public schools. Every vote matters!

For LPOSD trustees we support Scott Wood and Geraldine Lewis.

For WBCSD trustees we support Margaret Hall, Carlyn Barton and Elizabeth Glazier.

Let’s reinforce an Idaho where neighbors are friends and women and their families thrive.

For more information about Idaho Moms visit IdahoMoms7B.com.

Karen Brenner Idaho Moms Sandpoint

Schreiber and Susnis will listen and learn on council…

Dear editor, I’m always impressed by smart people who aren’t afraid to reach out to someone else for a different set of skills and experience. That’s why I’m planning to vote for both Kyle Schreiber and Elle Susnis for City Council — they both get it.

Kyle caught my attention when he talked about his ideas for longterm traffic planning on U.S. 2. I honestly don’t know much about traffic planning, but I could tell that he’d done research. I could also tell he’s been talking to other smart people who do know a lot about traffic planning, and it’s encouraging to see that willingness to seek out expertise.

Elle has been my friend for some time and I do know that her direct experience on commissions makes her an expert on ways we can keep downtown charming without stifling new development.

She has a clear plan, and I really appreciate that when I talk about something outside of it, her first instinct is to start asking good questions to understand better.

Kyle and Elle will listen, learn and bring good to our community.

I hope you’ll join me in voting for Kyle Schreiber and Elle Susnis for Sandpoint City Council.

Audrey Gates Sandpoint

Ruehle’s experience earns her another council term…

Dear editor, The old adage, “The proof is in the pudding,” rings true for Deb Ruehle, incumbent candidate for Sandpoint City Council. During her tenure on council, Deb has proven her dedication to understanding how our city functions and how the relationships between mayor and city staff influence decisions that affect residents.

Deb’s experience, clarity and understanding will prove invaluable as Sandpoint works through major issues of bringing our sewage treatment plant into compliance, amending the Multimodal Transportation Plan to reflect residents’ needs and desires, and repairing streets and sidewalks. Deb understands that city codes must be updated to align with state and federal regulations.

Residents’ expressed desires deserve consideration and inclusion.

Deb will help re-energize citizen committees, providing insight and support to the work being done

by elected officials and city staff.

Citizen participation is vital to city planning.

Recognizing housing as an immediate challenge, Deb also supports the establishment of a Sandpoint Housing Authority that will work to build relationships among profit and non-profit sectors in finding solutions to our affordable housing crisis.

Please join me in making sure council members are informed, experienced and dedicated to the hard work of local government. Vote for Deb Ruehle, Sandpoint City Council.

Mary Toland Sandpoint

Religion is not a qualification for holding office…

Dear editor, We live in a country that values the separation of church and state.

We do not have an official religion and public offices are inherently secular. Therefore, I will not vote for any candidate who touts their religious beliefs as a qualification for office. When a candidate states that they are representative of a particular religious persuasion, that person is stating that he or she will try to force the rest of us to adhere to the tenets of that religion.

Legislating what we can read, what health care we can receive, who we can love and marry, and limiting curriculums taught in public schools is not good government. Rather, it is a form of bullying, perpetrated by a minority bent on punishing those who don’t share their beliefs.

Religion is not a relevant qualification under our form of governance.

This is why I will vote for Scott Wood for school board. His family — all productive citizens of Bonner County — have attended local public schools for generations. He will address the practical needs of our school system in a reasoned and thoughtful manner. Please vote for Scott Wood in the upcoming election.

Ann Warwick Sandpoint

‘Never forget’…

Dear editor, I still do not know what “wokeness” means, but as a former reporter I subscribe to The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, USA Today, Spokesman Review and local papers. (About one and 1/2 hours daily if you need to know).

Never before have I seen my country so divided into extreme factions that one side doesn’t even consider

the good points of the other side. I just hope our children are being thoroughly educated in American civics.

Our youth should all know the history of the Civil War and who died at Shiloh. It is important they know the values and goals of Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln. We must never forget Americans who fought and died in wars to save this nation and the world.

The way Americans view our nation today is disappointing compared to the past 200 years or after Pearl Harbor. We need to find a way to stop the yelling and shooting and again realize how lucky we are to have our Constitution and our Bill of Rights. Poor nations around the world, many run by dictators, should be half so fortunate.

Finally, a school library is one thing. No book should ever be banned from a public library. This is what free speech is all about.

James Richard Johnson Vietnam veteran Clark Fork

‘STOP, hear us now!’…

Dear editor, Travers Park’s playset is on the city’s chopping block for a poorly designed makeover on artificial grass next to the parking lot. This will cost $560,000 of Sandpoint tax revenue to match a $560,000 grant from the state.

A million dollars should instead be used to add features to existing playset, leaving a large chunk of money for other improvements. Local softball teams pay a $600 fee to play on fields riddled with sinkholes.

The city’s excuses are filled with spin suggesting this was “data-driven.” Council members turned their backs on a petition with over 400 parents and park users, with another 3,000 signatures online.

Now council claims they should’ve gotten more input. Great, hear us now! Stop the destruction!

The city has $7.5 million from which to pay for change orders. Better to skip fancy donor walls than lose the entire community’s trust!

If this goes forward, be done with Kate McAlister and Deb Ruehle. They failed us, failed our children. Vote for Kyle Schrieber, Pam Duquette and Elle Susnis, who’d not allow this mess to develop. Vote for Jeremy Grimm, with the strength and knowledge to rid us of the city administrator position.

Rebecca Holland Sandpoint

Lawmaker trivializes pain, angst of Idaho’s abortion trigger laws…

Dear editor, Please listen to the recent episode of This American Life. It’s a follow-up to the spring show, with Dr. Amelia Huntsberger discussing her angst at practicing medicine in Idaho. Trigger laws have resulted in 19 physicians leaving Idaho, including five of nine maternal fetal specialists.

The courageous women who tell their heartbreaking stories are trivialized by Rep. Julianne Young. It’s condescending to state there will be a “little pain” and “inconvenience” to figure out Idaho trigger laws.

These women suffered much more.

Young states obstetricians are overreacting; no jury would convict them. We already have a physician/ medical provider shortage — Bonner County is termed a “maternal health care desert.” Obstetricians have 11 years post-high school education.

Idaho is asking them to make life-determining decisions, in a hot second and hope their career is not ended.

Young may sound calm and knowledgeable; she wouldn’t be so calm at 1 a.m. with a mother hemorrhaging in front of her. She is unqualified to make medical decisions, even with her 10 children.

She doesn’t understand the scope of obstetric care. Obstetricians have always considered both the mother and her fetus, to suggest otherwise is simply not true.

Cynthia Dalsing MSN, CNM Ret. Sandpoint

In support of Amelia Boyd for Sandpoint City Council…

Dear editor, I am writing to express my support for Amelia Boyd for Sandpoint City Council. As a dedicated resident of our community, I believe that Amelia possesses the qualities and vision necessary to effectively serve and represent the interests of our city.

Amelia’s commitment to fostering a thriving and inclusive community is evident through her involvement in numerous volunteer organizations and initiatives. Amelia has consistently demonstrated her ability to listen to the concerns of residents, collaborate with diverse stakeholders and develop practical solutions that benefit the entire community.

Moreover, Amelia’s professional background in urban planning equips her with the expertise needed to address the challenges faced

by Sandpoint. Her focus on sustainable development, responsible land use and infrastructure improvement aligns with the long-term needs of Sandpoint. I am confident that her knowledge and strategic approach will contribute to our continued progress and prosperity.

Amelia’s integrity, empathy and commitment to public service make her the ideal candidate for City Council. I urge my fellow residents to join me in supporting her campaign. Together, let’s elect a leader who will work to build a better future for Sandpoint.

Thank you for your attention, and I kindly request you to consider Amelia Boyd’s candidacy.

Mose Dunkel Sandpoint

City leaders have a problem with listening…

Dear editor, When you vote, know that killing Canada geese at City Beach is not unlike killing trees at Travers Park.

City leaders listen to no one in the public with effective ideas on how to prevent the geese from enjoying manicured grass when their goslings are growing. Hyperbole, obfuscations and outright lies are easier for city managers. They make decisions consulting only the exterminators (U.S. Wildlife Services); they also pay them big money. Police managing a hunt of the 50-60 birds among other migrating waterfowl adjacent to the Windbag is “fair game” beginning this week. Insanity!

Since 2019, no one on Council except for Andy Groat and Justin Dick have been willing to talk to the public who have meaningful solutions. Candidate Kate McAlister is wrong: the city has done nothing since 2019 except follow their five-year plan. Candidate Amelia Boyd was the first to say City Beach was a people’s park with no place for wildlife; I recorded her on tape at the first roundup. McAlister and the mayor simply took her cue, saying the same ridiculous thing after the geese massacre. Under Boyd’s leadership on the Parks and Rec. Commission (now defunct), Travers Park was being considered after City Beach.

Schreiber has clear stances and a willingness to work…

Dear editor, I’m very excited to support Kyle Schreiber for City Council. In fact, I’ve already voted early for him, and I’m hoping that everyone in Sandpoint will join me in supporting him. Why? Well, when I’ve spoken to him during the campaign, I’ve had the opportunity to ask him questions about some of the issues we’ve all got on our minds recently.

I’ve met candidates who want to tell me all about their vision for the future, but I’m always much more interested in candidates who want a real conversation with me as a potential constituent. Kyle is the second kind of candidate, and I respect that a lot.

But make no mistake, he’s got clear opinions. I’ve seen him answer questions about traffic flows and street maintenance very confidently and competently. He’s obviously done his homework, and he’s obviously got ideas about how to most

effectively serve the community: prioritizing maintaining infrastructure for our current community over flashy tourism magnets and working to keep highways out of our neighborhoods.

Leadership is having clear stances and a willingness to work with a diverse group of people, and that’s what I see in Kyle. Vote Kyle Schreiber on Tuesday, Nov. 7.

Hal Gates Sandpoint

The word limit for letters to the editor will revert back to 300 words starting now. Thank you for your patience with the tighter word limit. It allows us to publish more letters prior to the election, which means more people can weigh in with their opinions. If you’d like to send a letter to the editor, send to letters@sandpointreader.com.

Please no excessive profanity, libelous statements or trolling.

Please elevate the conversation.

Jane Fritz Sandpoint

November 2, 2023 / R / 9

Mad about Science:

By Brenden Bobby Reader Columnist

tyrannosaurs, redux

Last week, we learned about Sue, the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton that has ever been found, as well as the dramatic events surrounding its discovery and eventual sale of the fossilized remains to the Field Museum in Chicago. This week, we’re going to jostle the keys of the wayback machine and backtrack some things that I may or may not have written in the past about these giant colossal extinct creatures.

The journey of science is an ever-evolving process — nothing is absolute and everything is subject to change as our insight grows with expanding technology and new observations. This is especially true of dinosaurs, whose archaeological history has largely been cobbled together based on human assumptions about the available data.

‘Don’t move. He can’t see us if we don’t move’ A classic line and moment of extreme tension during Steven Spielberg’s 1993 classic, Jurassic Park. This was likely debunked thanks to Sue. These dinosaurs had eyes that would be considered small in relation to their massive heads, which is particularly noticeable in the elongated and unusually shaped eye sockets in the skull. It’s believed that the small eyes may have minimized the potential for damage during hunts and particularly during attacks on prey. Smaller eyes meant less chance for rogue branches to gouge out eyes, but it also meant more muscles protecting the frail structure of this vital body part when the dinosaur would slam its 600-pound head into something tasty, like a triceratops.

Another thing we learned from Sue is that T. rex eyes were forward-facing, which supports the data that T. rex was a predatory animal — as though the massive, scimitar-like teeth weren’t proof

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enough. It’s projected that T. rex could spot moving objects as far as six kilometers away, putting the beast at over four times the effectiveness of even the most eagle-eyed human being. Sorry, Dr. Grant, but that dino can see you standing there.

Hear me roar?

Even if you’ve never watched Spielberg’s masterpiece, you know what a T. rex sounds like — or do you?

The T. rex of Jurassic Park made a deafening roar that was the product of three different animal sounds meshed together: a baby elephant, a tiger and the sound designer’s Jack Russell terrier. This bellowing noise struck fear into the hearts of countless kids, pushing the film’s climactic tension to 11 and giving a voice to a being that had been silent for 65 million years. This sound was great for the film, but it wasn’t at all accurate to what the most famous dinosaur in the world actually sounded like.

Scientists have scanned Sue’s skull, as well as the skulls of other T. rexes that have been excavated, and discovered indentations inside of the structure that seem to have been left by the vocalization organs the dinosaur used to communicate.

These constructs were far more reminiscent of those within the skulls of birds than mammals, which makes sense as birds are the evolutionary descendants of dinosaurs.

Based on the size and shape of these organs, along with the T. rex’s body layout, it’s believed that it never actually roared, but instead created a low and resonant vibration that trailed off in pitch at the end of an exhalation. This pitch is believed to reach levels below that of human hearing, yet if you were lounging amid the palm fronds of the late Cretaceous, you would feel it through your whole body, like the bass from a subwoofer at a music festival.

Roaring is a mechanism reserved for creatures with natu-

ral predators, of which the T. rex had none. Though they may have lived solitary lives, they very likely vocalized over great distances while hunting to ward off potential competition without startling their prey.

More to love Spielberg took fewer liberties with the T. rex than the velociraptors of the film, though we’ve come to learn that the lean form of the T. rex may not have been accurate. More skeletal discoveries since 1993 have given scientists a glimpse into what the king of tyrants may have really looked like, and boy, was it chonky!

It’s now believed that the T. rex, rather than having a slim and muscular form that gripped its ribcage, may have had a large and rounded undercarriage, much like a chicken or a goose. This is reflected in a set of small bones running along the base of the dinosaur called gastralia. These bones did not articulate with the vertebrate during movement, and acted exclusively as support for the creature’s weighty organs.

This has been corrected in a number of professional castings of T. rexes, including a model of Sue to which skin and eyes were added.

As well as being heftier than initially thought, Sue’s skeleton revealed that T. rex’s comically small arms were actually much lower on the body than initially believed. The evolutionary purpose of the animal’s arms remains a mystery.

Five-ton turkey?

Feathered dinosaurs have always been a hotly debated topic.

The most famous example of a feathered dinosaur is archaeopteryx, a small dinosaur that may have closely resembled the birds we see today. Archaeopteryx may have flown short distances, similar to turkeys.

The feathered status of T. rex has been debated for some time, despite fairly clear evidence that

points to the king of tyrants being primarily scaled. Indentations were left in the substrate where T. rex remains were fossilized, and the indentations are very clearly scales. However, we lack a completely preserved body, so it’s impossible to say whether or not the T. rex had some feathers.

A relative of the T. rex — Yutyrannus huali — has been excavated in China and was believed to be almost entirely feathered.

Yutyrannus lived about 125 million years ago, separated from the T. rex by a gulf of time that is about equal to the amount of time humans were separated from T.

rexes, so the likelihood of these two creatures closely sharing many physical traits is extremely minimal. However, there is a hypothesis that juvenile T. rexes may have had a form of proto-feather, similar to juvenile chickens.

Scientists have actually altered the genes of embryonic broiler chickens to convert the scales on their feet into feathers, something breeders have done through selective breeding for hundreds of years with varieties such as brahmas, sultans, faverolles, and everyone’s favorite dinosaur bird: the silkie chicken.

Stay curious, 7B.

Random Corner ed cheese Don’t know much about grill • The grilled cheese sandwich is so popular in America, there’s even an entire day dedicated to the dish on April 12.

• The ancient origins for the modern grilled cheese sandwich might be found in ancient Rome, where people placed cheese on a piece of bread and heated it up in an early version of an oven.

This caseus tostus was enjoyed by everyone from the paupers to the Caesars.

• The French croque monsieur (which literally translates to “gentleman’s sandwich”) first appeared in literature in a work

by Marcel Proust in 1918, but had been featured on menus in Paris as early as 1910. The famed sandwich includes melted gruyére cheese and ham between slices of bread.

• It wasn’t until the 1920s when grilled cheese sandwiches became popular in America. Thanks to the Great Depression, Americans were looking for economical grocery purchases to make ends meet,

sandwiches?

We can help!

which included sliced white bread and American cheese, which they mostly ate open-faced.

• By the 1940s, grilled cheese lovers discovered the crispiness that would result from buttering the outside of the bread before frying the sandwich in a pan. The sandwiches grew so popular by WWII, a recipe was included in a 1945 U.S. Navy cookbook.

• The term “grilled cheese sandwich” wasn’t used until the late 1960s. Prior to then, the sandwich were mostly known as a “cheese dream.”

• Perhaps the most expensive grilled cheese sandwich was a half-eaten one sold for $28,000 in 2004, which purportedly bore a portrait of the Virgin Mary. The woman owned it for 10 years before selling it on eBay. She claimed it never went moldy.

• The world record for eating grilled cheese sandwiches is 47 sandwiches in 10 minutes.

PERSPECTIVES

Sen. Risch has historic opportunity to support the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho

By Jennifer Ekstrom Reader Contributor I recently had the great honor to attend the Upper Columbia United Tribes’ conference on transboundary mining pollution in lovely Osoyoos, British Columbia.

Indigenous speakers there illuminated that toxic, polluted water is flowing into tribal territory in every direction from B.C., including into the states of Idaho, Montana, Washington and Alaska. Despite ongoing efforts by tribes in the U.S. and First Nations in Canada to safeguard their waters, fisheries and ancestral lands from under-regulated mining pollution, they have been summarily ignored by the regulatory agencies.

Regarding selenium pollution in the Kootenai River in Idaho — which originates from mountaintop removal coal mining in British Columbia — remarks were made at the conference by Glen Linder, a Global Affairs Canada representative. Linder stated, “Canada knows that they are late with their homework.”

Selenium in the aquatic environment is a toxic element that poses a grave threat to aquatic life when present in certain concentrations. The consequences to fish include reduced growth rates, deformities and reduced reproduction rates. Selenium has been nicknamed “the silent killer” because it causes the disappearance of fish in some years, which can lead to their eventual absence.

The Confederated Kootenai and Salish Tribes (CKST) and the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho (KTOI) are part of the transboundary Ktunaxa Nation Council, and are impacted by the selenium pollution. The traditional Ktunaxa territory is currently being polluted by a multinational mining company in British Columbia, which leaves both the endangered Kootenai River white sturgeon and the subsistence burbot fishery at risk.

Selenium also impacts humans. A drinking water well in the city of Fernie, B.C., is shut down because the selenium concentrations in the well water exceed Canadian human health standards.

But the pollution problem is on the verge of getting worse. Teck Coal is pushing forward with plans to expand their Fording River Mine onto nearby Castle Mountain. This expansion would make it the largest mine of its kind in

North America, would obliterate the mountain and lock in coal mining for several decades to come. This would increase climate impacts with no regulatory assurances that dangerous concentrations of selenium and other pollutants will be effectively cleaned out of the water.

The Ktunaxa Nation, which includes the Ktunaxa Nation Council, CSKT and KTOI, has long asked for a process in which the United States, Canada, and tribes and First Nations of both countries work together to determine reasonable solutions. This process would include the activation of the International Joint Commission (IJC), which was established under the Boundary Waters Treaty Act of 1909 to resolve transboundary issues and disputes. Canada is the last holdout on initiating this referral — even the province of British Columbia recently expressed support for IJC involvement. We are at a critical moment in time.

“We must come to a solution before the end of the year — we were strung along in 2022, and then again in 2023 with a target of end of summer. The governments need to show that their deadlines, and their intent to meet them, are meaningful. We cannot accept any more broken promises. We have been asking for action on this issue for more than a decade, and we can’t wait any longer,” said ʔaq̓anqmi Vice-Chairman Gary Aitken, Jr., of the Ktunaxa Nation Council.

“We thought the commitment to work in partnership with the Ktunaxa Nation meant that all eight governments would sit down together to reach an agreement, but nothing could be further from the truth,” he added. “Since the U.S. and Canada are not able to set up a process for reaching agreement, the Nation has

Teck Coal’s Fording River mine, which the company is proposing to expand. Photo by Alec Underwood.

no choice but to set one up so that we can actually address the devastating pollution in the Kootenai/y watershed.”

All of this underscores the pressing need for action to ensure that fisheries do not collapse, the transboundary pollution is dealt with, and that public health and tribal rights are safeguarded.

Idaho Sen. James Risch is in a unique position to bring awareness and solutions for transboundary mining pollution in the United States.

As chairman of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Risch can do a lot to emphasize the importance of this issue to the Justin Trudeau administration in Ottawa. Risch has expressed alignment with finding solutions and can assert his influence in order to activate the IJC at this critical time.

In 2019, Risch signed an important letter from all eight senators of Idaho, Montana, Washington and Alaska, expressing significant concerns about the problem and asking that British Columbia do a better job of regulating the mining.

Since then he has been strangely silent, even as the pollution continues and the issues magnify.

Join us in asking Risch to leverage his power as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to support the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho and the entire transboundary Ktunaxa Nation’s effort to bring solutions for the transboundary mining pollution. Take action at this link: https://bit.ly/IJCREF Jennifer Ekstrom is North Idaho Lakes Conservation associate at Idaho Conservation League.

November 2, 2023 / R / 11

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COMMUNITY Don’t forget to set your clocks back Nov. 5

By Ben Olson Reader Staff Despite opposition that seems to grow more vociferous each year, every state but Hawaii and Arizona still observes Daylight Saving Time. Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 2.

The desire to abolish DST has crept into the national conversation with increasing frequency during the past few years. Those wishing to abolish DST believe the time change twice a year is bad for our health, causes “sleepy Monday” productivity problems and costs money to deal with logistics when it comes to things like air travel between countries that don’t observe the time change.

Those in favor of maintaining DST claim the longer daylight hours promote safety, as well as help the economy since more people prefer to shop while there is still light in the sky. Finally, proponents believe DST is conducive to a healthier lifestyle because more people will exercise while it’s still daylight.

Whichever side you fall on the argument, don’t forget to set back your clocks.

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Mushroom edition To submit a photo for a future edition, please send to ben@sandpointreader.com.

We’re not sure exactly why, but the Reader received numerous mushroom photos last week, so here’s a special mushroom edition Photos of the Week. As always, thanks for your submissions. — BO

Top left: North Idaho fungi and moss photographed by Jon Hagadone.

Top right: Shaggy Mane mushrooms (coprinus comatus), photographed by John Harbuck.

Bottom left: It’s not a mushroom, but we thought this snowy picture of a Jack-o’-lantern captures Halloween in North Idaho quite well. Photo by Gabriella Ateho.

Bottom center: Probably sulfur tuft mushrooms (naematoloma fasciculare), photographed by John Harbuck.

Bottom right: What’s that? A loaf of sourdough bread on the lawn? Nope, it’s just a mushroom we couldn’t identify.

Photo by Ron Bedford. * Never eat wild mushrooms unless you are 100% sure they are edible. Also, let your friend take the first bite.

November 2, 2023 / R / 15

COMMUNITY

Group plants milkweed at Pine Street Woods to attract threatened butterfly species

By Marcy Timblin Reader Contributor When Gail Bolin presented a talk on the declining number of monarch butterflies at the East Bonner County Library last winter, she would have never guessed that she was starting a movement. Inspired by the presentation, a group of community members have come together to share knowledge and create space for one of the most dramatically threatened wildlife species — the monarch butterfly.

Immediately following that library program, where nearly 100 people were in attendance, Amy Anderson, De Trenbeath, Perky Smith-Hagadone and Bolin began forming a list of people who are interested in restoring monarch populations in the area. The following week, Anderson, who is the executive director of the Selkirk Conservation Alliance, set up a Zoom call to develop action points and priorities.

Priority No. 1 was to provide a food source for the butterflies in order to attract them along their migratory route. Monarchs exclusively eat milkweed, which has been depleted nationwide due to development and other factors.

“The food source is critical,” said Trenbeath. “Our group determined that starting milkweed way stations — at least 10 plants and a nectar source — was the first priority.”

“It takes at least one milk-

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weed plant per caterpillar for their lifecycle,” Smith-Hagadone continued.

Last spring, volunteers who had attended the library program created seven planting pads for butterfly habitat at Pine Street Woods. The group reconvened in early October to plant seeds and milkweed starts with the goal of attracting monarchs.

Much thought went into where to put the planting pads at Pine Street Woods, considering the sun exposure, moisture levels and where the plants would be undisturbed by trail users. Three pads were planted in the meadow along the Butterfly Trail and four are located near the Frog Pond at Pine Street Woods.

The next priority for the group — now known as The Mighty Monarchs and meeting monthly— has been to seek out people who grow milkweed and raise monarchs in the area. They have begun to develop a network of individuals with the same goal of attracting monarchs.

“There are a lot of people who grow milkweed [for monarchs] around here,” Smith-Hagadone said.

Another volunteer who showed up for the planting project at Pine Street Woods has grown hundreds of milkweed plants and raised more than 900 monarchs in recent years.

As the former principal at Northside Elementary School, Smith-Hagadone approached the school’s Garden Club with

the idea of incorporating monarch-friendly plants.

“After several years of neglect, we are breathing life back into the garden in hopes that it will be a teachable space for all students and the community,” said Laura Cromwell, Northside Elementary P.E. teacher and Garden Club faculty coordinator. “We started to plant three beds for milkweed and monarch-friendly flowers.”

Trenbeath also reached out to her circle of friends, which includes the Gardens For Health initiative and the library’s Seed Library coordinator, Anna Hebard.

“The Library Garden has a large pollinator garden,” Trenbeath said. “Upon talking with Anna, we were able to plant showy and swamp milkweed, along with other native plants for pollinators and create a monarch

waystation at the library earlier this summer. There are many possible locations in our area to plant milkweed. Contacting the various gardening groups has been an excellent way to raise awareness and get more milkweed growing in the community.”

According to Trenbeath, Idaho Fish and Game is working on creating a national milkweed mapper with local butterfly gardens to help measure the effectiveness of local efforts.

“Gail explained during her talk that the Eastern Monarch populations are comparatively healthy.

They started working to restore habitat and food sources in the east a long time ago,” Trenbeath said. “But, in the West, this is relatively new. A few years ago, only about 1% of the western monarch population was thriving.”

Volunteers plant seeds and milkweed at Pine Street Woods to attract monarch butterflies. Courtesy photo.

With the combined efforts of dedicated individuals, organizations and the community, the Mighty Monarchs are optimistic about making an impact on the local monarch population. By creating a network of milkweed waystations and educating others about the importance of monarch conservation, the group aims to foster a sustainable future for these iconic butterflies.

“I compare this movement to the bald eagle and condor. Bringing populations back is possible,” Smith-Hagadone added. “We just have to do it.”

For more information, email themightymonarchs@gmail.com.

COMMUNITY

Chamber ribbon cutting welcomes Cambium Spa to Schweitzer

By Reader Staff The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce welcomed Cambium Spa at Schweitzer to the Chamber on Sept. 15 with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Including Himalayan salt stone massages, performance recovery sessions and even sound therapy, Cambium is a yearround wellness spa offering restorative treatments and recovery services for the mind and body.

“If you want a holistic spa experience that encourages restoration and relaxation, come join us on the mountain,” stated Spa Manager Sabrina Wright in a news release. “Being surrounded by the beauty of Schweitzer only adds to the experience.

We look forward to serving locals as well as visitors.”

For more info, visit schweitzer.com/todo/cambium-spa.

Chamber ambassadors and staff welcome Cambium Spa at Schweitzer to their membership with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 15. Courtesy photo.

November 2, 2023 / R / 17

events

Send event listings to calendar@sandpointreader.com THURSDAY, november 2

Bingo Night at IPA 6-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority

Collage Night at Woods Wheatcroft Studio • 5-8pm @ Woods Wheatcroft Studio, 104 S. Second Ave. Dive into the creative process. Instruction starts at 5:30. Some supplies provided. Own supplies encouraged. Hang w/ friends, make art. Great group vibe. BYOB. $25 drop in. Class size limit 15 people

West Coast Swing Dance Lessons Cribbage League 4:30-5:30pm @ Yellow Room 7-9pm @ Connie’s Lounge Head to 102 Euclid Ave for this weekly class. $5-$10 fee Live Music w/ Jordan Pitts 6:30-9:30pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall Country. Killer Taco food truck Live Music w/ Tamarack Ridge Band 9pm @ The Hive The heart of country and the soul of rock. Doors at 7pm. 21+

Live Music w/ Brian Jacobs 5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery Indie and rock favorites

Sandpoint Chess Club 9am @ Evans Brothers Coffee Meets every Sunday at 9am

Meet and Greet with new MD at Panida, Robb Talbott 7:30pm @ Panida Theater (begins after 6:30pm meeting ends)

FriDAY, november 3

Live Jazz w/ Bright Moments 7-9pm @ The Back Door Int. Fly Fishing Film Festival 7pm @ Panida Theater The world’s leading fly-fishing event, showcasing the passion, lifestyle and culture of fly fishing.

Panida.org

Live Music w/ Monarch Mountain Band 5-8pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery Bluegrass, newgrass, folk and rock Live Music w/ John Daffron 6-9pm @ MickDuff’s Beer Hall Country and rock

November 2 - 9, 2023

2nd Annual Selkirk-Pend Oreille Food Summit 9am-5pm @ Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center Short presentations from local food producers, processors and marketers. SOLD OUT. idahofoodworks.org First Fridays w/ Nights of Neon 9pm-midnight @ Connie’s Lounge Check it out now, the funk soul brothers

SATURDAY, november 4

Pray for Snow Party, Live Music 7pm @ The Hive Join CDA’s rock band The RUB and dress up in retro ski gear to help bring on the snow. $15, or Schweitzer passholders can show pass to get in for $10

Friends of Library Book Sale 10am-2pm @ Sandpoint Library Cookbooks and coffee table books will be half price. Proceeds will benefit the Friends of the Library Live Music w/ Double Shot Band 7-9pm @ Connie’s Lounge

7B Cornhole Tournament 12-4pm @ Harvest Valley Worship Tourney and fundraiser for Freedom House Inc’s Men’s Safe and Sober House. 86 Hidden Valley Rd.

Live Music w/ Justin Lantrip 6-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority Sandpoint singer-songwriter

Thanksgiving Turkey Bingo 1-4pm @ Sandpoint Senior Center A fundraiser for Sandpoint Senior Center, with games from 1-4pm. $20 for 4 cards. Raffle tickets $1.

Silent auction and more

SunDAY, november 5

Magic with Star Alexander 5-8pm @ Jalepeño’s Up close magic shows at the table

monDAY, november 6

Monday Night Blues Jam w/ Outdoor Experience Group Run John Firshi 6pm @ Outdoor Experience 7pm @ Eichardt’s Pub 3-5 miles, all levels welcome Party Like It’s 2024 and silent disco party w/ congressional candidate Kaylee Peterson, Pro-Voice Project 7-10pm @ Matchwood Brewing Co. Party to celebrate congressional candidate Kaylee Peterson, with Pro-Voice Project. Also, silent disco!

Monday Night Football at the Hive 5:15pm @ The Hive Doors open at 4:45pm. BYOF. 21+

Weekly Trivia Night 6-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority With rotating hosts

Pool Tournament Mondays 7-9pm @ Connie’s Lounge

tuesDAY, november 7

Dine Out For a Cause: A Benefit for Sandpoint Artistic Gymnastics Academy 4-9pm @ 113 Main St. in Sandpoint (Old Truby’s building) Enjoy food, drinks and fun as SAGA holds a restaurant takeover. SAGAgymnastics.org

wednesDAY, november 8

Wednesday Line Dancing Lessons 6:30-8:30pm @ The Hive Lessons are just $10, followed by open dancing from 8:30-9:30pm. 21+

Live Piano w/ Dwayne Parsons 5-7pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery

ThursDAY, november 9

Preview of Come What May, We Will Play exhibit 4-7pm @ Bonner County History Museum, 611 S. Ella Ave. Inspired by the shared, contemporary emergence from the COVID pandemic and how creating experiences and light-hearted enjoyment in play can ease the weight of hardship Bingo Night at IPA 6-8pm @ Idaho Pour Authority 18 / R / November 2, 2023

West Coast Swing Dance Lessons Thursday Night Football at the Hive 4:30-5:30pm @ Yellow Room 5:15pm @ The Hive Head to 102 Euclid Ave for this Doors open at 4:45pm. BYOF. 21+ weekly class. $5-$10 fee Artist Reception for Russell Cash and Live Music w/ Steven Wayne 5-7pm @ Pend d’Oreille Winery November Artist of the Month Russell Cash w/ live music! Enjoy

BY THE NUMBERS

By Ben Olson Reader Staff

7%

The percentage of American adults who have received the new versions of the COVID-19 vaccine one month after federal health officials recommended the dose.

Just 2% of children have received the shot. Data indicates that nearly 40% of adults said they probably or definitely will not get the shot.

At least 50

The percentage of health care workers who reported feeling burnout often or very often in 2022, compared to 32% in 2018. Nearly half in the field also reported that they were likely or very likely to apply for a new job.

$12.2 billion

The estimated amount that Americans spent on Halloween this year, according to the National Retail Federation, which surpassed the previous year’s record spending of $10.6 billion. The spending is expected to generate between $854 million and $976 million in taxes.

$19 billion

The amount that X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, is now worth, down more than half in value since mega-rich edgelord Elon Musk purchased the social media platform for $44 billion a year ago. Forbes went further, estimating the company’s net worth at $4 billion, a 90% drop from the sale price a year ago.

$7.2 billion

The amount of payments withheld by the U.S. Department of Education to Higher Education Loan Authority of the State of Missouri, one of the largest federal student loan servicers, after the company failed to send on-time billing statements to 2.5 million borrowers.

STAGE & SCREEN

International Fly Fishing Film Fest features stories from the Snake River to the Amazon

By Reader Staff

A still image from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Damsel. Courtesy photo.

Alert for anglers: The International Fly tional Park near the Wyoming-Idaho border Fishing Film Festival is coming to the Panida for more than 100 years, while A Slam that Theater with a slate of screenings Friday, Nov. Saves travels to the foothills of the Appala3, showcasing the passion, lifestyle and culture chians, where four species of bass are found of fly fishing in locations around the globe. nowhere else on Earth.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and films begin Crouching Tiger, Hidden Damsel is the at 7 p.m., with general admission tickets story of two fishermen who journey to a available at flyfilmfest.com/sandpointid or high mountain lake and experience an epic at the door (if available) for $20. General damselfly hatch. Dollar Dog introduces a admission and a one-year subscription to Fly four-legged fish bum named Ella, who spends Fusion magazine costs $45. time along the Margaree River in Cape BretOrganizers state that IF4 “is the gathering on, Nova Scotia, where the Atlantic salmon place of the fly-fishing community and a return home. celebration of friendship, fly-fishing stories The Focus takes place in the deep canyons and stoke.” of the Utah desert, where three anglers redisHosted by Backcountry Hunters and cover a stream they explored in their youth, Anglers, the IF4 event is the world’s leading which is home to trout that require winter presentation of fly-fishing films, with nine runoff to thrive. selections in this year’s lineup. Among them Chesapeake — A Love Letter to a Wais Jacks, focused on the search for the agtershed, follows the Braker brothers, who gressive, predatory fish known as the “giant embark on an adventure in the Chesapeake trevally,” which can be found in remote Bay watershed in which they grew up, taking locations, but a similar species exists in them and their gear on a 1,000-mile trek over saltwater destinations in North America. The seven days. film provides a deep-dive into the noteworFinally, Gold Fever is the epic adventure thy species. in 2022 from Helmut Zaderer and Black Fly Of the Sea takes audiEyes to the Serranía Mosences to the waters off the eten region of Bolivia in the International Fly protected Banco Chinchorro Fishing Film Festival Amazon jungle, where many coral atoll in Mexico, where tributaries of the mighty river two brothers and a compan- Friday, Nov. 3; doors at 6:30 have never seen a fly-fishing p.m., films at 7 p.m.; $20 general ion are given approval by angler and contain the giant admission, $45 GA with subauthorities for a two-day scription to Fly Fusion magazine. golden dorado. exploratory fishing trip.

Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave., For information about IF4, 208-263-9191, panida.org. Get email info@flyfilmfest.com.

Father Nature centers on the Turner family, which tickets at flyfilmfest.com/sandpoin- Got to flyfilmfest.com/films tid or at the door (if available). has guided on the Snake for teaser trailers and more on More info at flyfilmfest.com/films.

River in Grand Teton Nathe films.

November 2, 2023 / R / 19

FOOD

The Sandpoint Eater Pumpkin eater

By Marcia Pilgeram Reader Columnist

I’ve never understood the fuss about a Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) from Starbucks (and I am not the first Reader writer to note this). I didn’t even realize it’s still a thing until recently, when I saw an ad advising me that the iconic PSL turns 20 this year. To be truthful, I’ve yet to taste one, and I doubt I’ll take part in any of the milestone celebrations, nor purchase anything from the coveted swag line that includes limited-edition clothing and temporary tattoos.

Whether served hot, cold, iced or blended, Starbucks’s PSL is its No. 1 seasonal seller.

Starbucks claims that the PSL has become such a cultural phenomenon that Merriam-Webster officially added the term “pumpkin spice” to the dictionary last year.

Wait a minute! What took them so long? My grandmother was whipping up homemade batches of pumpkin spice for her pies, bars and bread long before Starbucks brewed its first batch of beans.

Well before Grandma Irma was creating goodies with her coveted concoction of cinnamon, cloves, ginger and nutmeg, Amelia Simmons had formed the earliest versions of spiced pumpkin pie in her cookbook, American Cookery, published in 1796.

A common way to prepare it was to hollow the pumpkin, fill it with sweet, spiced milk and bake. I love to prepare small 20 / R / November 2, 2023

pumpkins this way, using coconut milk, and sometimes I add rice for the best pudding ever.

Starbucks is not alone in its quest to build a pumpkin-spiced empire. Currently, in addition to many beverage blends, you’ll find pumpkin spice Oreos and Pop-Tarts on supermarket shelves. But wait!

There’s more! If you want to indulge in other esoteric possibilities, head to your nearest Trader Joe’s, where you’ll find at least 30 pumpkin-flavored products lining the shelves.

You can even find dog treats in TJ’s fall product lineup; please your pups with pumpkin-maple-bacon-stuffies dog

bits. Feline-focus group cats knew better; alas, no kitty treats were to be found.

Pumpkin spice products are not limited to things we ingest.

You can even cover your body in lotions, soaps, scrubs, and shampoos.

Last year, I went to a local spa for a 90-minute massage package, including a body scrub. Though I was face down on the table, the pungent aroma of pumpkin spice wafted through the dimly lit room, which I assumed was the overly-fragrant candles scattered throughout the dimly lit room. But no, it was me! My masseuse was not so gently

exfoliating my body with pumpkin spice scrub. It was a chilly fall day and, as I drove home, I turned up the heat in my car. Before I made the turn onto Kootenay Bay Road, I smelled like a pie that had been left too long in the oven. A warm shower helped immensely, but my car smelled like a bakery delivery van for days afterward.

Kudos to Costco for not jumping on the pumpkin-spice bandwagon. At least I didn’t see those types of products on my last visit there (though they had some enormous pumpkins for sale for less than $10). Their pumpkin pies are big — four

pounds — and big sellers, too.

If you aren’t a baker, you can pick one up for about six bucks.

I love this year’s assortment of fall pumpkins and squash for sweet and savory recipes alike.

Some of my favorites are pumpkin pies, breads, soups and rice, and I spice up many recipes with Irma’s original spice mix.

To each their own, but I can’t think of anything I’d rather not have in my latte than pumpkin spice. Unless it’s eggnog (oh, wait — that’s next month).

Meanwhile, let’s all welcome fall with this delicious and savory pumpkin risotto!

Pumpkin risotto

A savory alternative to pumpkin desserts. Grilled pumpkin is great as a stand-alone, and even better as the star of this risotto. Serve as an entrée or as a side dish with pork tenderloin. Serves 4.

INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

Pumpkin: • 1 small sugar pumpkin • 1 tbs olive oil • 1 tsp sea salt • 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely minced Risotto: • 2 tbs butter • 2 tbs olive oil • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped • 1 shallot, finely chopped • 4 cloves garlic, crushed and minced • ½ tsp sea salt • ½ tsp white pepper • 1 ½ cups Arborio (Italian short-grain) rice • ½ cup white wine • 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock • ½ tsp nutmeg • 1 cup roasted pumpkin chunks • ¾ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano Parmesan cheese

Pumpkin grilling instructions: Slice the pumpkin in half vertically, scoop clean, then cut horizontally, into ½ slices. Coat with the olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and rosemary. Place on heated grill and cook each side about 4-5 minutes.

Cool. Reserve the prettiest slices for garnish.

Remove the skin from the rest, chop into 1” chunks and set aside.

Instructions: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil and add in the chopped onion, shallot, salt and pepper. Cook slowly for about 20 minutes, add the garlic and cook another 15 or 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions are soft, golden brown and just beginning to caramelize.

In a medium saucepan, heat the stock over medium heat until simmering.

Add in the rice to the onion mixture, stirring frequently, for 3 or 4 minutes. Add the white wine to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned onion mix from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the pumpkin chunks and ½ cup warm stock and nutmeg. Stir risotto until the stock is completely absorbed, add

in another ½ cup and repeat. Continue to add in the stock ½ cup at a time until it’s all absorbed and the rice is fully cooked. Be sure to keep the stock warm as you continue to add it.

Stir in the Parmesan cheese until

fully combined and creamy. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed.

Garnish with sage leaves and (optional) roasted pine nuts or pistachios.

Serve hot and pass the extra Parmigiano-Reggiano.

MUSIC

Pray for Snow Party with The Rub, The Hive, Nov. 4

By Soncirey Mitchell Reader Staff

“The RUB is less about our sound and more about a feeling.

No show is the same. We have no setlists,” said bass player Lucas.

It’s “snowtime” at The Hive, “The audience and The RUB where skiers, snowboarders and mutually absorb each other and party animals will pray for another become a unique sort of party great season at Schweitzer while blob, bouncing through space.” dancing along to music from local The trio formed in the 2000s favorite The RUB. Musicians after Koep had a dream about Michael Koep, them dressed “in Cary Beare and Pray for Snow Party glitter and glam,” Cristopher Lucas so the legend goes. w/The RUB bring the exciteNow they’re celeSaturday, Nov. 4; 7 p.m.-mid- brating more than ment of classic rock performances night; $10 pre-sale tickets, 15 years together, to songs from a day-of $15; 21+. The Hive, doling out gooserange of genres 207 N First Ave., get tickets bumps from one and time periods, at livefromthehive.com. Listen party to the next. including their at rubtherub.com..

“The RUB is toe-tapping origour ideal version inals. of the culmination of our collec-

tive experiences. We play what we want to play,” said Lucas.

“Michael likes to smash things in front of an audience; he plays drums. Cary prefers his audience with melted faces; he plays a blazin’ guitar. Cris likes the free backstage buffet and full-length mirrors.”

Partygoers should wear retro

The RUB will play The Hive Saturday, Nov. 4. Courtesy photo. ski gear and toast Ullr, the Norse god of snow. With The RUB’s help, it’ll be winter long before Thanksgiving.

“Together we will turn the snow prayer volume up to 11!” said the band.

Farm to table: The Selkirk-Pend Oreille Food Summit

By Soncirey Mitchell Reader Staff Idaho Food Works — a University of Idaho project — invites farmers, foragers, restaurateurs and residents to celebrate local food production with a day of educational presentations and demonstrations. The second annual Selkirk-Pend Oreille Food Summit runs from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center (10881 N. Boyer Road) and features more than 20 lectures on everything from raising farm

animals to planning a garden.

“Food is central to everyone’s personal wellbeing, and local food, regional production and secure food access are important aspects of community resiliency,” said Colette DePhelps, a community food systems area educator for U of I. “Through our interactive program, people build new relationships and discover new resources that can support them in their personal and professional local food endeavors.”

Attendees will have several opportunities to network while they enjoy a lunch from Beet and

Basil and an apple and apple cider tasting, courtesy of the property’s organic orchard. Kyle Nagy, the orchard operations manager, and Kent Youngdahl, will guide the tasting and offer a glimpse into their collection of more than 65 varieties of apple trees — most of which are heirloom.

The organizers hope to give locals the opportunity to better connect with each other and understand every aspect of food production, from farm to table.

“I want to give a shout out to our incredible planning committee, especially producers Diane

Green from Greentree Naturals and Jeamette Lock from Pack River Farm, who have volunteered many hours to bring this event to fruition!” added DePhelps. “And to express our gratitude to the slate of producers, restaurateurs, retailers and educators who are sharing their local food expertise and leading the skill building workshops.”

Tickets are SOLD OUT. For more information, visit idahofoodworks.org/sp-food-summit.

A snapshot of notable live music coming up in Sandpoint

Nights of Neon, Connie’s, Nov. 3 Connie’s Cafe & Lounge hosts its inaugural First Fridays concert — a late-night party in the lounge on the first Friday of each month — featuring the funk-soul band Nights of Neon. The five friends have long careers in the music industry and will perform their unique takes on ’80s staples like “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder and “Sledgehammer” by Peter Gabriel.

“Performing for a crowd that’s having a great time creates an energy that can’t be replicated anywhere else,” said horn player Paz Rainbow. “We feed off their

enthusiasm, send that energy back to them stronger and they return it bigger still. Joy! Laughter!

Dancing!”

Nights of Neon hope that their feel-good songs and party vibes will make First Fridays a hit for years to come.

“Let’s be sure to make it worth their while, so that these late-night shenanigans can continue.”

— Soncirey Mitchell 9 p.m.-midnight, FREE, 21+.

Connie’s Lounge, 323 Cedar St, 208-255-2227, conniescafe.com.

Tamarack Ridge Band, The Hive, Nov. 3 Tamarack Ridge Band is no stranger to the stages of the Inland Northwest — or the regional awards circuit, with eight nominations in the Northwest Country Music Awards in 2022 and winner of “Best Band” and “Best Artist” honors in the Coeur d’Alene Press “Best of 2023.”

Now the band will bring its setlist from the intersection of country and classic rock to Sandpoint’s “small town big stage” Friday, Nov. 3 for a free show at The Hive.

Organizers promise that the

Tamarack Ridge Band will deliver “melodies that touch your heart and rhythms that make you want to dance.”

With no cover, there’s no excuse not to find out what this award-winning band’s sound is all about.

— Zach Hagadone Doors at 7 p.m., show at 9 p.m.; FREE; 21+. The Hive, 207 N First Ave., get tickets at livefromthehive.com. Listen at tamarackridgeband.com.

This week’s RLW by Ben Olson

READ

Thanks to friend of the paper Jay Shelledy, the Reader now owns The Complete Far Side, a two-volume set of every comic the talented Gary Larson ever produced. Along with Bill Watterson’s Calvin and Hobbes, Larson’s Far Side provided daily entertainment for me growing up and I still giggle at his strips. Meanwhile, The Complete Far Side is the unrivaled, definitive collection for Far Siders.

LISTEN

For some reason, the only podcasts I listen to are either stories about scammers getting busted or lurid true crime tales. My latest obsession is a show called Scamfluencers, hosted by Scaachi Koul and Sarah Hagi. The episode I just listened to was called “I Loot Lucy” about Charles Hensley, the inventor of the sham Zicam nasal spray, who brazenly tried to strongarm himself into taking over the production company started by Lucille Ball. Like all of their podcasts, it’s a wild tale from beginning to end.

WATCH

Everyone seems to be twitterpated about Taylor Swift’s concert film Eras, which has drawn millions of screaming fans into theaters around the country to cry, shake and convulse at being close to their Swiftie god (cue the eye rolling of a 40-somethingyear-old jaded musician). The film has even been called one of the best concert movies of all time.

Sorry, Taylor Swift fans, but that’s just ridiculous. Anyone who’s worth their salt musically will tell you the best concert movie of all time is The Last Waltz, featuring the last show of The Band. I mean, Martin freaking Scorsese filmed it. *mic drop* November 2, 2023 / R / 21

BACK OF THE BOOK

An Election Day for the books

Decisions we make at the polls Nov. 7 will have swift, dramatic effects on Sandpoint’s future

From Daily Bulletin, November 2, 1933

BLINDFOLD DRIVER WILL PERFORM HERE Miss Millicent Cazan, the Hollywood stunt girl, who appears at the Panida theater in company with Vantine, the dippy-mad magician, Saturday, will present a spectacular stunt by driving a Ford V-8 through the downtown streets while completely blindfolded on Saturday afternoon.

The drive will start from the Cady & Pier garage and finish at the Panida theater. During her drive she will, while blindfolded, stop at certain stores.

Miss Cazan is a stunt girl who has been appearing in pictures.

Her latest work was in “The Circus Queen Murder.”

This comely miss, according to Professor J.B. Mains of the state college, Lansing, Mich., possesses the six th sense, which permits her to see without the use of her eyes, sometimes called the psychic sense.

On the stage she will demonstrate her ability to escape from handcuffs, leg irons and the tortuous Siberian collar. In this condition she will be locked and sealed in a casket supplied by a local undertaker, yet she escapes in 10 seconds.

Vantine, the dippy-mad magician, will have the audience in an uproar of laughter.

He was the winner of the grand prize at the convention of magicians recently held in Seattle. When one magician can fool another, he must be good.

22 / R / November 2, 2023

By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff I did the math the other day, and figured out I’ve covered Sandpoint City Hall under six mayors: David Sawyer, Ray Miller, Gretchen Albrecht-Hellar, Marsha Ogilvie, Carrie Logan and now Shelby Rognstad. After January, I’ll add another name to that list.

That’s a lot of mayoral water under the bridge; and, while I can’t say that I observed every City Council meeting when those folks were in office, I can certainly look back and revisit a sense of what the community was on about during those times.

I remember us fighting about the Sand Creek Byway — or “bypass,” depending on your stance back then — height restrictions, the bank building/Sandpoint Center and Seasons at Sandpoint developments; fluoride in the water; Sandpoint’s trailblazing non-discrimination ordinance; what to do about the former U of I property on North Boyer Avenue; and “The Curve” Version 1.0.

There were many other kerfuffles, of course, but it’s safe to say that the past eight or so years have the previous 15 beat hands down for the number of things we’ve been pissed off about. I’d eat up this whole space just listing them.

Suffice it to say, we’re living in an exponentially more fractious community today than perhaps we ever have, and it underscores what a critical inflection point we’re experiencing. Anyone who’s paid even passing attention to the goings on at City Hall has to agree that no matter what, we’re on the fast-track to some new version of the town in the very near future.

That’s about as far as I’m willing to go

in opining on the specifics. Having spent so many years covering city politics, I’ve learned to report rather than offer my personal two cents. The only time I’ve broken that rule was to specifically un-endorse former Reader Publisher and co-founder John Reuter for City Council when he was appointed by Albrecht-Hellar in 2007 and subsequently elected, ultimately serving as council president.

My opinion didn’t do any good then, so I’ll keep it to myself now — other than to say that in all my time on the City Hall beat, I’ve never seen a more critical election for council and mayor.

Like I said, I’m not going to suggest who anyone should vote for or why, merely to emphasize that the decisions we make at the ballot box on Tuesday, Nov. 7 will have direct and dramatic effects on how this town functions, looks and feels with a quickness.

There is a lot of anger, frustration and distrust out there, mingled with exasperation, excitement and aspiration on a number of fronts. There are many, many plans and visions floating around with much influence being exerted both inside and outside City Hall to see them either thwarted or come to fruition — or some combination of the two, depending which specific plan and/or vision you’re talking about.

With all this change and the turmoil it has caused, it’s more important than ever that whomever Sandpoint residents choose as their council members and mayor, they are making those choices with as much information available to them as possible and the deepest level of consideration they can muster — and that they don’t let up on being engaged on Wednesday, Nov. 8 (or after January 2024, when the swearing-in ceremonies take place).

STR8TS Solution

Sudoku Solution

As of this printing, there have been multiple meet-and-greets and candidates’ forums, including two of the latter hosted by the Reader, KRFY 88.5 FM and SandpointOnline.com, and the Bonner County Daily Bee, respectively; the Reader and Bee have both published candidate questionnaires as well as dozens of articles between them on the various issues animating the campaigns; and KRFY has aired interviews with the candidates for city office — all of that available online. (For more, see Page 6.)

As I’ve written before, Sandpoint and surrounding communities have an unusually large number of local media sources to choose from — use them and vote for the people you think will best represent your preferred future for Sandpoint. I can tell you, based on about 23 years of watching, this Election Day will be one for the books.

Crossword Solution

What is it about a beautiful sunny afternoon, with the birds singing and the wind rustling through the leaves, that makes you want to get drunk. And after you’r ereal drunk, maybe go down to the public park and stagger around and ask people for money, and they lay down and go to sleep.

Solution on page 22

Solution on page 22

By Bill Borders

unfalsifiable /uhn-fawl-suh-FAHY-uh-buhl/

Woorf tdhe Week

[adjective] 1. not able to be proven false, and therefore not scientific

“Pseudoscience often relies on claims that are vague and unfalsifiable, making it difficult to subject them to rigorous empirical scrutiny.”

Corrections: No news is good news, especially in the news business.

Copyright www.mirroreyes.com

Laughing Matter

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1. Dry riverbed 5. At the peak of 9. Queue 13. Gulf port 14. Majestic 16. Environs 17. Impetuous 18. Add up 19. Three-handed card game 20. Attempts 22. Seashores 24. Food 26. Thin person 27. Not less than 30. Deservedly acquired 33. Cantata 35. Genders 37. Thick flat pad 38. Clutch 41. Type of cereal grass 42. Stairs 45. Capable of mistakes 48. Newspaper bigwig 51. Taoist principle 52. Countdown clock 54. Storage site 55. Combining different philosophies 59. Triangular formation 62. Winnie the ____ 63. Reverent 65. Bloody 66. Celtic language 67. Debate

Solution on page 22 68. Chills and fever 69. Exploit 70. T T T 71. Strong cleaners

DOWN 1. Verruca 2. Jewish month 3. Earmarked 4. Get by a will 5. Paintings 6. Earl Grey and orange pekoe 7. Looks at lustfully

36. Flower stalk 39. Unhappy 40. Not minus 43. Peddled 44. Arouse 46. Deposited 47. Criminal 49. Alpha’s opposite 50. Comeback 53. Chain of hills 55. Didn’t dillydally 56. Bygone era 57. Beak 58. Hint 60. Not false 61. Affirmatives 64. “I agree” November 2, 2023 / R / 23

8. Castle 9. Baked Italian dish 10. Bothers 11. Uncluttered 12. Consumes food 15. Elastic fabric 21. Japanese wrestler 23. Paddles 25. Town 27. Mothers 28. Angered 29. Soviet space station 31. Astrobiology 32. Trades 34. Buffoon

100+ years of Sandpoint Elected & Appointed Experience have to say this about Jeremy Grimm " I know what it takes to be mayor, and Jeremy Grimm has it. I will be voting for him on November 7th." carrie Logan, Sandpoint City Council 2008-2013, Mayor 2014 & 2015

"I've known Jeremy since 2007. He is solution-oriented and is focused on the public good. He has my vote for Mayor on November 7th."

Ray Miller, Sandpoint City Council 1982-2002, Mayor 2002 -2008.

"Over 24 years as Sandpoiht's city clerk and 4 years on city council, I worked with 9 mayors. It's clear to me that Jeremy Grimm is the best choice for Sandpoint right now."

Helen Newton

"I've known Jeremy Grimm for over 20 years. While on City Council I worked with him directly as a department head. He has the skills and background to lead Sandpoint forward. I will be voting for him November 7h . " Tom Eddy, Sandpoint City Council 2012-2020

"Jeremy has the knowledge and experience to be a strong mayor for Sandpoint and he truly loves this area and our town."

Aaron Qualls, Sandpoint City Council 2012-2013, Planning & Community Development Director 2016-2020

"Jeremy understands what it takes to run a city; not only new and exciting projects but the practicality of maintaining what we already have."

Kody Van Dyk, Sandpoint Public Works Director 1990-2016

In the 4 years I was a city council member I had at least 100 encounters with Jermey Grimm. In none of those opportunities did I feel that I was being lied to, or misguided. Jeremy always welcomed me to his office with a firm handshake and a big smile. He was always willing to hear (and listen!) to me and the concerns that I brought to his attention, even when I knew he was in complete disagreement. I was always impressed with his ability to handle a sometimes contentious crowd of citizens with unwavering professionalism.

Justin Schuck, Sandpoint City Council 2010-2014

Experience

PRIORITES 0

Reevaluate City Administrative Structure

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Engage residents in decision-making

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Small business owner

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Focus spending on critical infrastructure Reduce employee turnover

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Diversify the Sandpoint economy

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Respect every voice Collaborate with Bonner County &

Vice Chairman Idaho Economic Advisory Council Commissioner, Sandpoint Urban Renewal 2012-2017

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Bonner County Airport Advisory Board 2014-2015

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Governor's Workforce Development Taskforce 2017

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neighboring towns to address growth

Sandpoint Resident since 2007 Sandpoint Planning Director 2007-2015

Endorsed by Selkirk Fire Local Union #2319

On November 7 th Vote Grimm for Mayor

Residents First!

www.grimm4mayor.com Email: ieremy@grimm4mayor.com

Paid for by Jeremy Grimm For Mayor, Brian Cox Treasurer